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Padma Bhushan to ilayaraja

Music composer Ilayaraja, who had recently made waves in Bollywood too, with Paa being a music blockbuster, says the Padma Bhushan he received this year was not a recognition for him, but an appreciation of his work.

When asked how he felt about receiving the honour in a year that A R Rahman also received the honour, Ilayaraja simply said I don't have to feel for others.

I feel for myself. When asked if his increasing presence in Bollywood led to him being awarded a Padma Bhushan, 35 years after he entered the music scene, he said he never thought of it that way. When asked if the Central government had delayed in honouring talent from South India, he sharply said,Ask this question to a politician, not a musician.